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The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
Widely considered the first-ever psychological horror film. Released in Germany, it introduced many elements that would be found in later films. Utilizes an innovative, surrealist style and abstract themes, like extortion, insanity, and the loss of control -
The Black Cat
Known as the "first psychological horror film in America." Popularized the genre in the U.S.A., emphasized atmosphere, the dark side of the human psyche, and emotions like fear and guilt. All very common themes in the genre. -
Psycho
Turning point in the horror genre. Before this film, most horror in the "Golden Age" were monster movies. When Psycho was released, it shocked millions. It tackled heavy topics like repression and human nature. It was a disturbingly real film in an era of fantasy. -
Rosemary's Baby
Redefined the genre, focusing on manipulation and the erosion of trust in everyday settings. Instead of relying on jumpscares and gore, it builds suspense through paranoia. A largely feminist film as well, something not seen very much in the genre at the time. -
Don't Look Now
Had a lasting impact due to its exploration of grief and the occult, along with its innovative editing style. It intersperses flashbacks and flashforwards within the film, warping the viewers' perception of what's happening. It's considered an influential work in horror and British film. -
The Shining
Its biggest defining feature is its camera work, using lighting, set design, and its use of unconventional angles to create a sense of unease and dread. It follows the descending madness of being trapped in isolation. -
Misery
Explores themes of obsession, control, and psychological torment. It focuses mainly on power dynamics and explores the 'darker' side of fandom. It shows how obsession can lead to dangerous and destructive behavior, which resonates in modern culture -
The Silence of the Lambs
Grounded its horror in a very realistic setting, following a serial killer and a detective with themes of trauma, manipulation, and the nature of evil. Also paved the way for the true crime genre, as well as complex and nuanced portrayals of villains in film. -
The Blair Witch Project
Made famous through the use of no script. Actors were placed in the woods with a loose outline of what was happening, with no dialogue provided. The film was almost entirely improvised. It also popularized the "found footage" horror genre, which is often used today. -
Audition
This film is unique in that, while it is definitively a psychological horror in its themes of obsession and warping of reality, it pushes the boundaries of the genre. Many have labeled it bordering on a splatter-punk horror due to its graphic scenes and violent nature. This sets it apart from other films in the genre, as most psychological horrors try to distance themselves from shock value, instead focusing on how events affect us mentally. -
American Psycho
Exploring internal conflict, it challenges traditional horror stereotypes by presenting an ordinary businessman, Patrick Bateman, who commits horrible, violent acts; serving as a social commentary on consumer culture and the superficiality of the wealthy. -
The Strangers
Focused on the unpredictable and unsettling nature of random, unmotivated occurrences rather than traditional slasher tropes or supernatural elements. It leaves viewers vulnerable as it intrudes on what many people believe to be their one safe place - their home. A movie that will make you double-check if your doors are locked at night -
Get Out
Blended social commentary on racism along with the genre's tropes, creating a uniquely disturbing experience. It showed that marginalized groups could be a part of the psychological horror genre, which gave many producers and actors a chance to make their voices heard in the community -
Hereditary
Explores how the destructive power of grief, trauma, and inherited mental illness can affect a family. While supernatural elements are used as a metaphor for these internal struggles, the film largely focuses on mental illness and the human condition, which categorizes it as a psychological horror -
Midsommar
Shines a light on the impact and exploitation of trauma, specifically grief, through a folk horror lens. It uses a bright setting and vibrant visuals to create a sense of discomfort as they clash with the subject matter portrayed. To generate a sense of dread and unease, the film uses subtle techniques, such as unsettling camera angles, slow-burn tension, and disturbing imagery. -
Smile
Seeing someone smiling for a long period is uncomfortable and disturbing. How about 115 minutes of it? It blurs the line between reality and what's in our protagonist's head. It explores themes of depression, anxiety, and trauma; typical for a psychological horror. What set it apart from the rest was its marketing. During MLB games in the weeks leading up to the film's release, actors could be seen staring directly into the cameras and smiling intensely in the stands.